Kailash Preparation

Since this pilgrimage is nothing short of an expedition, it places. Many uncommon demands and situations. Awareness to these problems is essential to complete the voyage successfully with confidence.
Once the voyage commences the panoramic Himalaya and Tibet cocoon the pilgrimage in their effulgence and they drift beyond the reach of a conventional world. Deep silence and eerie expansiveness rule the atmosphere. A resourceful pilgrimage however would enjoy his every step - planning is the key. The broad guidelines appended here may help you. However each one must organize according to individual requirements and preferences.

Health General

The high altitude Tibetan terrain is dry, cold and windy. Diurnal variations are large. Nights are cold and windy. Heavy snow falls; torrential rains and strong icy winds are com­mon features - any time. Flooding rivers and landslides are frequent. The altitude averages above 3500 meters. The route covers much high altitude passes.

Oxygen is less at higher altitudes. The inclement weather and high altitude induces cer­tain illness generally not encountered over the plains (Mountain Sickness). Headache, nausea, lassitude, lethargy, breathlessness, general uneasiness (malaise), high irritability, light loss of balance, disorientation, incoherence and insomnia are a few. It is common to all irrespective of the age, sex and physical fitness. Gradual acclimatization is the best answer. Tranquilizers, sleeping doses and strong anti-biotic must be avoided. Descending to lower alti­tude is the best but this may not be possible always. REST is the best alternative. Some of the symptoms indicate that the body mechanism is readjusting to new environments. Therefore the golden rule is to deliberately slow down all activities

(Chant a prayer or visualize everything around to suit your pleasant thoughts. Or put on the earphones and listen to your favorite music, bhajans, chanting etc. Scan the scenario with binoculars. Resort to photography.)

Do not exercise.

Breathe slowly (never fast).

Whenever you feel uncomfortable, just stop: rest and relax.

Ignore the sudden outbursts of fellow pilgrims and avoid arguments.

Observe silence with a smile.

Remember - never go too high too fast.

Avoid smoking and alcohol - drugs or intoxicants.

Consume plenty of liquids; never proceed with an empty stomach.

Expedition experts advise that beyond 3500 meters ascent or climbing must be restricted to 300 to 400 meters at a stretch. Most people, however they say would experience minimum symptoms, if given longer time to ascend. This must be borne in mind during Parikrama around Kailash.

Be careful not to catch a cold. It is better to be over-clothed than under protected. Enroute, avoid taking a bath or drinking water from lakes, streams or rivers as your system is not conditioned for this. Since the dry cold wind tends to make the nose dry (bleeding sometime) keep your nose smooth by applying Vaseline. Keep your feet dry - never let it get wet. Keep your boots / ked inside tents to keep them dry. Wearing cotton and wool socks in combination would be the best. Face, feet and hands must be well protected.

Consult your DOCTOR to assess the state of your health to function safely within your limitations. Learn the DO’S and the Don't from his advice. In addition to the personal prescriptions by your physician, a First Aid Kit is essential for the travel. Request your Doctor to prescribe effective medicines to cover the following:

Fever

Body Joint Paints

Muscle Pulls

Constipation

Chest Congestions

Stiffness

Acidity

Cold & Cough

Sore Throat

Headache

Stomach Cramps

Loose Motion

Sore Eyes

Sneezing

Dysentery

Nose blocks

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Swelling

Indigestion

You may never use any of these medicines but some one in the group may require it. Protect yourself against dust and direct sunshine and Dust during the long stretches of driving. In addition to the medicines, your First Aid Kit must contain the following:

Vaseline

Toilet Papers

Cotton

Bandage Roll

Nose Inhalers

Dust Cover (Surgeon’s Mask)

Cologne

Facial Tissues

Rubber Bands

Chapstick

Stomach Cramps

Loose Motion

Cough Drops

Body Lotion / Mustard Oil

Vicks

Eye Masks

Band Aid

Mouth Fresheners

Dettol /Listerine (antiseptic)

Candle & Lighter

Dark Sunglasses

Small Plastic Bags

Ear Muffs

One should carry glucose-based items (Mints, toffees, mini chocolates bars for periodical consumption at high altitude for energy). Multi-vitamin and Vitamin C tablets are required for daily consumption as a routine.

It is preferable to avoid shaving as any cut or bruise may not heal quickly and may irritate with nagging discomfort.

Never rush into things. Walk slowly and firmly. Guard yourself from slipping or falling to prevent fractures, sprains and muscle pulls. The uneven ground, steep slopes and slushy banks are full of potholes. Do not combine walking and sight seeing together. Inspect your track in front and trek slowly. Listen to your guide or the one with experience. Never leave the Group. Be in the Group. Do not leave anyone behind unless escorted.

Make a separate pouch for the First Aid kit with a list of medicines and their appropriate usages.